My son had a friend I didn't think much of. He dropped out of high school, I had an inkling he was into drugs, he was slovenly and lazy. He was not welcome at my house. Chris stayed friends with this person nevertheless. When Chris went into the Marines, I learned this buddy was trying to get into the Army, and signed a contract with them. I later learned from him that Chris had been telling him to get his s%^& together and do something with his life.
When Chris was killed, this friend was almost as inconsolable as I. He came by, was welcome, and we talked quite a bit on several occasions. At one point soon after, he ditched his Army contract and signed with the Marines with a GED. He wanted to honor Chris I think. But he later went back to the Army, as he had it in his head to get into Ranger training. Last he wrote me, he completed Army boot and was off to Infantry School and feeling very good about his decision. He told me that Chris' influence on him to get it in
gear was crucial to him in feeling good about himself and doing something. Good for him. The Army was his path. I know Chris is proud of him.
My only purpose in relating this story is to suggest that you need to do what YOU need to do, silly as that sounds. In my book, if you VOLUNTEER to serve in ANY branch, I salute you, period, I don't care if you are a cook or admin. Do your research and go where it seems "right" and don't look back. What other people opine or thing or advise should be taken for what it is - someone else's opinion, possibly worth something, possibly not. The Army offers a lot of options. The Marines have cool uniforms.
I will say that if my daughter ends up in the Army I will be one proud father watching her be pinned with that 2nd Lt. gold bar in four years. I will be equally proud watching her graduate in ONE MONTH with mosquito wings on her shoulder too. Yeah, I will admit to being biased as far as branches, but you can't blame me for that I think.
Listen to your heart and use your head, and you'll be fine.